Othodox Easter, plus SP and Alena coming home!

We are fast approaching, by the Julian calendar, the day we proclaim Christ is Risen.  The mysteries of the Julian calendar never fail to confuse me.  But I love using it for our orthodox services.  Alaska is actually the only diocese in the US who continues to use the Julian calendar.  The calendar was introduced by Julius Ceasar, in 46 BC, and revised, most recently, in 1923.  Probably more than you wanted to know.

We have been celebrating presanctified lenten services this week, and this morning we had our last lenten service.  Father Jonah announced it with such joy, that I felt like leading the parishoners in a cheer.  AJ Bereskin, our choir leader, laughingly noted that now that she finally has the lenten tones down pat, we are done with them.

Choir leader AJ Bereskin during one of her few moments of relaxation.
Choir leader AJ Bereskin during one of her few moments of relaxation.

Choir leaders and readers in our church have to be extremely dedicated to their jobs.  As an example, this week we have had services at 9 AM each morning and at 6 PM each evening.  Heaven help the rest of us if the choir leader and readers don’t show up!  I am in total awe of the amount of work that is required.

And WOO HOO.  SP and Alena are due home tomorrow.  SP had his final checkup with the doc, and the doc says everything is healing up great from his surgery.  Everybody do a dance for good flying weather.  They are due on the 5 PM flight.

We’re Home!

Just a quick update. Kristine and I went to the community potluck last night and enjoyed the company and the wide variety of food.  I think we ate a little too much.  It was wonderful.  Vera Pelkey’s fish pie was delicious.  April made some great corn muffins (we got to swipe a few for our breakfast this morning) and a beautiful angel food cake with salmonberry glaze.  Plus, many other dishes.  Our offering was salmon spread with crackers, and tangerines and apples.  Needless to say, our tummies and taste buds were quite satisfied.

We got a call a 8:30 this morning from Demetri Tcheripanoff, Sr. that Penair was planning to have a plane over before 10.  We hauled our luggage down to the boardwalk, Demetri picked it up with the four wheeler.  I must say, Kristine must have a really lop-sided idea about flying in the Goose.  Both the trip over and the trip back were on flawless days.  The water was glassy smooth again!  We landed in Dutch Harbor (yes, the water) and had Kristine home by 10:30 to see Maxman, Joe, and Mamma for Easter.

Great trip.  Wonderful people in Akutan.  Good to be home.  So far my hubbie is happy!

Happy Birthday Alena!

If I wasn’t away from home, I could post a picture of you from when you were born.  Three hours from the first labor pain to your arrival.  You slept through the night immediately.  In fact you went to bed at 7 PM and didn’t wake up until 9AM.  You were my most mellow child.  And so cute.  And a girl!!  I was the only sister out of 4, who got to have girls.

Alena
Alena

Birthday greetings, also from Kristine.  She says to tell you, you are looking pretty good for 30!!!!  I say that you will probably be carded until you are in your 50’s if you play your cards right.  You know how good your grandmother looks.  So have fun today, don’t over do it…….and…..MANY MORE!